fib
word
Definition
A fib is a small, harmless lie, often told to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to avoid trouble.
Usage & Nuances
'Fib' is informal and less serious than 'lie'. It is often used with children or when the intent is not harmful. Common collocations: 'tell a fib', 'little fib'. Do not use to describe serious dishonesty.
Spanish: mentirilla - mentira pequeñaPortuguese (BR): mentirinhaPortuguese (PT): mentirinhaChinese (Simplified): 小谎Chinese (Traditional): 小謊Hindi: छोटी झूठArabic: كذبة صغيرةBengali: মিথ্যে (ছোট ছোট) - নিরীহ মিথ্যেRussian: небольшая ложь - выдумкаJapanese: 作り話 - 小さな嘘Vietnamese: lời nói dối nhỏ - lời nói dối vô hạiKorean: 하얀 거짓말 - 작은 거짓말Turkish: beyaz yalan - küçük yalanUrdu: معصومانہ جھوٹ - چھوٹا سا جھوٹIndonesian: dusta kecil - kebohongan kecil
Example Sentences
He told a fib about finishing his homework.
basic
It was just a fib; she didn't mean to hurt anyone.
basic
Why did you fib to your teacher?
basic
Kids sometimes fib to stay out of trouble.
natural
"Did you eat the cookies?" "Maybe I told a little fib..."
natural
Come on, it was just a fib, no big deal.
natural